10 Things to Do in Stockholm in January

Stockholm is one of the most visited cities on the Scandinavian peninsula, but its peak season is in summer and spring. In January, the coldest month of the winter, temperatures can easily drop below freezing, discouraging many tourists. However, if you're brave the chilly seasonal days, the Swedish capital offers beautiful scenery and plenty of local celebrations.

Some of the best things to do in Stockholm in January include celebrating St Knut's Day, discovering Gamla Stan in the heavy snow of the first month of the year, visiting the ski slopes during the opening of winter, experiencing Epiphany, taking shelter from the cold during the Museum Marathon, discovering the Northern Lights at their best and ice skating in Kungsträdgården Park.

In Stockholm, the arrival of January not only marks the start of a new year, but also the celebration of a curious tradition known as St Knut's Day. This event, which takes place on 13 January, fuses religious festivity with local customs, making it a unique experience for the inhabitants of the Swedish capital and its visitors alike.

This celebration has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of celebrating St Knut's Day, the patron saint of sailors. However, what makes this event special is the practice of plundering, which means plundering in Swedish. On this day, families take to the streets to empty their homes of Christmas decorations, especially Christmas trees, and take them to recycling centres or local parks.

This act of plundering symbolises the end of the Christmas season and marks the transition back to everyday normality. St. Knut's Day thus becomes a busy day, combining the preservation of the environment and the formal welcoming of the new year with the consumption of local products and religious pilgrimages. On this day, Stockholm's various tours, which you can take by bike, segway or on foot, focus on local traditions and customs.

If you are planning to visit Stockholm with children or you are one of those who enjoy traditional days out, you can't miss the Three Kings' Day in the Swedish capital, which dresses up to welcome the Three Wise Men.

Every January 6, one of the most cherished traditions is the Three Kings' Parade, which winds through the main streets of Stockholm with illuminated floats, festive music and the participation of the Three Wise Men themselves. Children often marvel at the colourful procession. In addition, on Three Kings Day, many places in the city offer events and shows for children, such as the Toy Museum, with its theatres and themed workshops.

Another popular activity on this day is the search for gifts left by the Three Wise Men in different parts of the city. Children embark on adventures to discover these treasures, involving the whole family in activities that make them forget the cold and freezing temperatures.

Stockholm's picturesque Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a spectacle in itself at any time of the year, but it is during the frigid winter and especially in January that it becomes a fairytale setting. This historic district, with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings, is covered in snow during the first month of the year, which marks the lowest temperatures of the season.

In Gamla Stan, the roofs of the historic houses are covered in white, and the wrought-iron lanterns along the streets cast warm gleams on the snow, creating an ideal backdrop for photography and walking in an oasis of tranquillity. What's more, Stockholm's short daylight hours in January leave this neighbourhood in virtual darkness for the entire month.

It's important to note that, despite the bitter cold, life in Gamla Stan doesn't stop. Here you'll find cosy cafés and local shops offering refuge and unique experiences, from tasting delicious Swedish sweets to discovering antiques in the quaint traditional shops, which are illuminated after sunset and offer one of the most beautiful sights in Stockholm at night.

January marks the transition after the Christmas festivities, ushering in the winter season with the official opening of Stockholm's ski slopes. With the heavy snow that characterises the first month of the year, the city dresses in white and welcomes winter sports enthusiasts eager to experience the region's snowy hills.

Among the main slopes to explore during the winter opening is Hammarbybacken, a popular ski hill located just outside the city. With an unrivalled panoramic view of the Swedish capital, this slope offers one of the best things to do in Stockholm in winter. Another must-visit option is Flottsbro, known for its well-groomed slopes and wide range of services.

The opening of the winter season is not only about sports, but also about experiencing the essence of Swedish winter. Opening events often include live music and dining options that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the winter atmosphere of the Scandinavian peninsula, so just wrap up warm and go for the experience!

In the midst of the harsh Stockholm winter, the Museum Marathon is an ideal way to escape the cold temperatures. Although not a one-off celebration or an annual calendar event, this cultural practice has become a tradition that offers refuge from the freezing weather and a unique opportunity to explore the city's rich artistic heritage.

During the month of January, Stockholm's cultural establishments extend their opening hours into the evening, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the warmth of their galleries. This initiative is also reflected in special discounts or even free admission to the most visited exhibitions in the Swedish capital, such as the Nobel Prize Museum or the popular Vasa Museum.

The most famous exhibitions, ranging from artistic masterpieces to historical exhibits, become a haven from the cold temperatures outside, promoting Stockholm's cultural heritage.

While the epicentre of the Northern Lights on the Scandinavian peninsula is in Norway and Finnish Lapland, you can also discover the phenomenon in Stockholm. Although the aurorae can be seen from September to March, it is in January that the weather conditions are most conducive to the clearest manifestation of these dancing lights in the night sky.

During January, the prolonged darkness and clear nights create the perfect backdrop for discovering this spectacle. For those looking to immerse themselves in this celestial phenomenon, places such as Tyresta National Park and around Lake Mälaren offer dark, clear skies ideal for aurora borealis viewing.

The Stockholm archipelago also presents an ideal setting for observations. Getting away from the city lights and embarking on some of Stockholm's best cruise excursions to the more remote islands allows you to enjoy this phenomenon in a natural and serene setting.

Contrary to what you might imagine, the polar cold of January does not discourage nightlife in Stockholm - quite the contrary. The eternal nights of the Swedish winter mean that the sun sets at around 5pm. From then on, the bars and pubs along the historic streets of Gamla Stan take centre stage.

In addition to the nightlife establishments, museums also become attractive destinations during Stockholm's winter nights. Some exhibitions, such as the Museum of Performing Arts, offer extended opening hours on specific occasions, allowing visitors to explore the exhibitions in a much quieter way. This nocturnal experience adds a special dimension to the city's cultural offerings.

In addition, the city, strategically lit to counteract the darkness, invites you to stroll through its picturesque streets and squares even after dark. Stockholm during the eternal nights transforms into an urban canvas that combines historical beauty with modernity, offering those who explore it at night a fascinating experience.

Stockholm's frozen canals offer arguably the most characteristic landscape of the Swedish capital in January. However, these canals are not only an eye-catching tourist attraction because of their beauty, they also offer winter activities, such as turning them into natural ice-skating rinks. An experience that allows locals and visitors alike to glide smoothly over the frozen surface of the canals.

One of the most famous canals for ice skating is the Strömmen, which winds through the centre of Stockholm. With its frozen waters and historic buildings on its banks, it provides an ideal backdrop for those looking to enjoy this adventure, which is one of the best things to do in the city in winter.

The Djurgårdsbrunn canal, which borders the island of Djurgården and provides the opportunity to skate in a natural and picturesque setting, is another highlight.

In addition to ice skating, the frozen canals provide the perfect setting for other winter activities, such as impromptu ice hockey and scenic walks. Some venues even set up small kiosks along the canals, offering hot drinks and food for those looking to recharge their batteries during their sports day.

Djurgården is undoubtedly Stockholm's winter wonderland. From January onwards, the site transforms its extensive grounds and attractions into a magical setting. And with its location in the heart of the city, it's an ideal retreat to rest between excursions or to stop off for a break while visiting the Swedish capital's best museums, which are located nearby.

The island of Djurgården is home to a perfect combination of nature and culture. Its vast parks and wooded trails are covered in snow, creating an idyllic landscape for strolling. Visitors can also enjoy the historic architecture and charming buildings that dot the island. In January, on the other hand, you can still find some of the illuminated decorations that characterise Stockholm at Christmas time.

Djurgården is also home to several museums and attractions, such as the Vasa Museum, which houses an old warship salvaged from the depths of the harbour. In winter, these places offer a unique cultural experience, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to explore the exhibits in a quieter way. This museum, as well as several others in the city, is included in the Stockholm Tourist Card.

Ice skating in Stockholm's Kungsträdgården Park is a winter experience that combines the thrill of sport with the beauty of a historic and cultural setting. This iconic canal-side park transforms into an outdoor ice rink in winter, offering a unique opportunity to glide across the ice in a picturesque setting.

The ice rink at Kungsträdgården is surrounded by Stockholm's majestic architecture. The experience of skating in this historic park becomes a unique fusion of winter tradition and contemporary city life. The capital's lights and festive atmosphere create an ideal backdrop for ice skating.

The park is also surrounded by characteristic cafés and shops. After a few laps on the ice, you can relax with a cup of hot chocolate or browse the antique shops. This winter wonderland is an ideal place to enjoy the season and breathe in the lively atmosphere that only Stockholm can offer during the coldest month of the year.

January is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm, with temperatures reaching as low as -5° during the day and above -10° at night. On clear, snow-free days, the average can reach 4°C.

The bitter cold causes ice to form on the Swedish capital's waterways, including its famous canals, making the city a beautiful setting for winter sports and photography. Temperatures don't usually start to rise until March in Stockholm.

January is part of the low season in Stockholm, so the city experiences less tourism compared to the summer months, as the sub-zero temperatures and longer nights may deter some visitors. However, those who choose to explore the Swedish capital during the first month of the year will find a quiet and picturesque city away from the crowds.

Tourists who venture to Stockholm in January are attracted by the authenticity of the Swedish winter, the chance to witness the Northern Lights and take part in typical winter activities, such as ice skating in the parks and canals or visiting museums with extended opening hours.

Unlike if you visit Stockholm in April, when spring begins, you'll find better prices in the Swedish capital in January. Some services and accommodation may offer less expensive rates compared to the high season, although you should bear in mind that this destination is known to be considered relatively expensive all year round, so plan your budget carefully.

Dining in Stockholm can vary in price, with options ranging from elegant restaurants to cosy cafés offering cheaper menus. Some establishments often have special offers to attract visitors during the winter season. Also, taking advantage of local cultural activities and events, such as free museum exhibitions, will save you money during the winter.

January is the coldest month of the year in Stockholm, so I recommend packing the following items to help you cope with the cold weather:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Warm socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Mackintosh
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece